Social security reveals a large security update to increase identity exams

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that they “implement stronger identity examination procedures” to prevent fraud after a leaked memo at the beginning of this week.

Newsweek has contacted the SSA for a comment by e -mail.

Why is it important

Every month, the SSA distributes billions of dollars to almost 70 million recipients, and it is an important source of income for Americans across the country. However, the latest changes to the Federal Authority, including personnel cuts and office honors, have triggered concerns that customer service and services may be affected.

What to know?

From March 31, applicants can no longer check their identity with the SSA by phone. Those who cannot properly check their identity with the agency’s online service must personally visit a field office of the agency in order to complete the review process.

“In the next two weeks, SSA will carefully pass on both performance claims and direct deposit changes to stronger identity evidence proceedings,” said the agency in a press release published on March 18.

The change should apply to new social security applicants and existing recipients who want to change their direct deposit information. The agency also announced plans to accelerate the processing for inquiries from the recipients’ direct deposit changes – both online and personally – to a working day. Previously, online changes in direct deposit required a hold of 30 days.

While new performance claims can be started with the SSA telephone service, those who cannot use online services must visit a field office.

Leaked memo

At the beginning of this week, the popular information in the spare parts published a leakage memo in which the plans and potential negative effects that they could have on social security that may have to struggle with the achievement of an SSA office.

The changes come at a time when some social security offices are closed as part of the cost -saving measures carried out by the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). The agency has also confirmed plans to terminate 7,000 jobs.

The memo explained that there could be longer waiting times and processing times due to an estimated 75,000 to 85,000 people who have to visit field offices every week to check and process their information if they cannot do it online.

In its explanation, however, the SSA explained that all employees on the front had been brought back to the office five days a week, which would make sure that “maximum staff is available to support the stronger personal identity proof request”.

According to Axios in an earlier version of the memo Newsweek– Doris Diaz, the deputy deputy surgical commissioner, said: “The result of reduced service channels could be significant.”

“For example, a person who concludes a bank account could have exposed the services if they cannot access personal service,” she continued, adding that “a person who is clearly entitled to benefits” “could be prevented from applying”.

What people say

Lee Dudek, the incumbent commissioner of the SSA, said in the press release: “The Americans deserve to protect their social security records with extreme integrity and vigilance. For far too long, the agency has applied outdated methods to provide identity. Social security can better protect Americans and accelerate the service.”

According to The Associated Press, Dudek said on Tuesday in a call with reporters: “The social security authority loses over 100 million US dollars a year with direct deposit fraud. Social insurance can better protect the Americans and accelerate the service.”

Representative John B. Larson, A Democrat from Connecticut, said in a statement on Monday: “Your memo confirms that you pay for social security for the numerous tax breaks of 2 trillion US dollars for the richest. By asking seniors and disabled Americans to register online or personally to the same exterior offices that you try to close by phone.

Max Richtman, the President and CEO of the National Committee for the Conservation of Social Security and Medicare, told Newsweek In a statement on Tuesday: “These latest developments are part of a clear pattern: Elon Musk, Doge and their Akolythes at SSA are involved in a deliberate campaign in order to make it more difficult for the Americans to collect their hard -earned social security services.

“Consciously build obstacles to the people who have deserved these advantages (and who pay for SSA operations with every salary check) who at least indifference – and more likely, a complete hostility – towards older people, people with disabilities, their families and survivors who rely on social security.”

What happens next

The agency has started a two -week transition period in order to train the employees before March 31 and to monitor compliance with the guidelines and to monitor compliance with the guidelines.